The former president of Zimbabwe, Canaan Banana, who is on the run after being convicted of sodomy and indecent assault, has turned up in South Africa and had a meeting with President Mandela.

A South African spokesman said Mr Mandela met Mr Banana yesterday with the knowledge of the Zimbabwean government.

The spokesman said Mr Banana made no request for asylum and said he would not be in the country long.

Zimbabwe issued a warrant for Mr Banana's arrest after he disappeared shortly before he was convicted of the charges against him, which he has denied.